The Trans-region Movement of Seasonal Labour in Ghana

Settlement Formation of Populations in the Upper West Region and Trade Network

Abstract

The Brong Ahafo Region of Ghana (now divided into the Bono East, Brong Ahafo, and Ahafo regions) is located in the vegetation transition zone and is also known as the ‘food basket’ of Ghana. In 2001, 18% of the crops distributed in Ghana were produced in this area, and many agricultural products were exported to neighbouring countries. Crop production in this region is performed by local people and the Dagaaba people from the Upper West Region, who rent farmland from locals. In the late 1980s, the Dagaaba people began engaging in crop production in the Brong Ahafo Region. They have since set up production bases and sent their families to the Brong Ahafo Region. Savannah people such as the Dagaaba people and the Akan people, who live in the humid southern regions, differ in their culture, religion, and customs; but they have established relatively good relations and have avoided conflicts. Immigrant communities called zongo established themselves rapidly in various parts of the country during the migration of the Dagaaba. This likely made it possible for the Dagaaba people to engage in production in a new area far from their ethnic territory.